DD-214

[PocketGroove]

I work in the Veteran Center at the University of North Texas and I see people every week who come in and say things like, "I got kicked out of basic training 2 days from graduation for lying on my enlistment papers because I didn't mention my ADHD/Depression/Chronic Back Problem/Injury ....etc....etc." , then they ask, "Am I entitled to the Post 9/11 GI Bill?, or, "Do I have any benefits/money coming from the government?", or, "Do I get the Hazelwood Act?"

It makes me sick, it cheapens the ACTUAL HONORABLE SERVICE of generations of true heros who served and continue to serve, and I feel it disgraces the hallowed ground of the Veteran Center that I run. I swallow my pride, I do my job. I am kind. I point them in the right direction, tell them where they can check to see if they actually have any benefits coming, but in truth...the only place I want to point them is right out the door.

All Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen go through tough battles everyday trying to cope with balancing the commitment they made because of the oath they swore, and the difficulties that having sworn that oath brings into their personal lives. Those who can't find constructive ways to deal with the stresses of military life, who turn to drugs or alcohol and allow their use, even if only recreational, to compromise UNIT READINESS are a liability and should be expelled from the military. After over 5 years of service I've seen numerous people kicked out of the military for UCMJ violations and at that time every last one of them was a dirt bag incapable of adhering to the Army Values. I developed a deep respect for the system when I realized it actually worked.

I, for one, am glad that when a person fails this country by dishonoring that oath, it follows him or her for the rest of their life and after. It boils my blood to see people who lack integrity try and take advantage of a system designed to reward and honor true sacrifice by true American heros.

FWIW....YMMV

Congratulations one remaining drug free for all these years, it sounds like you're remorseful for your less than honorable actions. I wish you the best, but I still can't help but speculate that a lack of integrity is possibly the cause that makes people in your situation think that they deserve the same exclusive benefits reserved for those who truly understand the nature of sacrifice for one's country.

If you would like to know what benefits you possibly qualify for please visit:

For FEDERAL Education Benefits:
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits- ... eb_vonapp1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For Texas STATE Education Benefits:
http://www.collegeforalltexans.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For Medical Benefits:
http://www.northtexas.va.gov/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jmra]

I work in the Veteran Center at the University of North Texas and I see people every week who come in and say things like, "I got kicked out of basic training 2 days from graduation for lying on my enlistment papers because I didn't mention my ADHD/Depression/Chronic Back Problem/Injury ....etc....etc." , then they ask, "Am I entitled to the Post 9/11 GI Bill?, or, "Do I have any benefits/money coming from the government?", or, "Do I get the Hazelwood Act?"

It makes me sick, it cheapens the ACTUAL HONORABLE SERVICE of generations of true heros who served and continue to serve, and I feel it disgraces the hallowed ground of the Veteran Center that I run. I swallow my pride, I do my job. I am kind. I point them in the right direction, tell them where they can check to see if they actually have any benefits coming, but in truth...the only place I want to point them is right out the door.

All Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen go through tough battles everyday trying to cope with balancing the commitment they made because of the oath they swore, and the difficulties that having sworn that oath brings into their personal lives. Those who can't find constructive ways to deal with the stresses of military life, who turn to drugs or alcohol and allow their use, even if only recreational, to compromise UNIT READINESS are a liability and should be expelled from the military. After over 5 years of service I've seen numerous people kicked out of the military for UCMJ violations and at that time every last one of them was a dirt bag incapable of adhering to the Army Values. I developed a deep respect for the system when I realized it actually worked.

I, for one, am glad that when a person fails this country by dishonoring that oath, it follows him or her for the rest of their life and after. It boils my blood to see people who lack integrity try and take advantage of a system designed to reward and honor true sacrifice by true American heros.

FWIW....YMMV

Congratulations one remaining drug free for all these years, it sounds like you're remorseful for your less than honorable actions. I wish you the best, but I still can't help but speculate that a lack of integrity is possibly the cause that makes people in your situation think that they deserve the same exclusive benefits reserved for those who truly understand the nature of sacrifice for one's country.

If you would like to know what benefits you possibly qualify for please visit:

For FEDERAL Education Benefits:
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits- ... eb_vonapp1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For Texas STATE Education Benefits:
http://www.collegeforalltexans.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For Medical Benefits:
http://www.northtexas.va.gov/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Very well stated.

[Wysiwyg101]

Pocketgrove.....there are so many things I'd like to say in response to what you said, but, I'm not going to. My prayer for you is that you live a long healthy life, a prosperous life, and a life filled with many opportunities. As a matter of fact, I'll even go a step further. May you live in interesting times.

[Limey Hooligan]

Just came across this forum, and I'm applying for my CHL right now. Thought I'd give a quick post on this discussion to give my point of view, as I'm a vet of the USAF and was also discharged with a "General - Under Honorable Conditions".

I've applied for the 50% discount, and I'll find out if I get it in about a month. I'm pretty sure I will, since my classification of discharge never stopped me from getting my veterans educational benefits (VEAP) or even a USAF license plate for my car. In fact, the only thing I can think of that not getting a fully "Honorable Discharge" ever deprived me of was the formal certificate you get for your service to hang on the wall.

I joined back in the 80's at the ripe age of 18, talked into an extended six year enlistment. I was a model military guy, in fact I was marching, parading and shooting since I was 15 in a youth military organization and had my eye on a military career. Unfortunately the USAF didn't agree with me and the only way I could get out and get on with my life was to feign unsatisfactory performance (which is what is stated on my DD214). This was basically mis-filing records and showing up late to work. I ended up serving 4 years and 3 months, and I'm pretty sure if I'd enlisted for 4 years to begin with I'd have stuck it out and easily gotten the "Honorable Discharge". I missed getting it by being young and making an uninformed decision when I joined.

I say that because while I was in, I graduated top of my NCO class and received the John L. Levitow award, and also the AF Good Conduct Medal. So, I served my country "honorably" but was extremely unhappy and took a quick, dirty, easy way out to get on with my life. (I then went straight to engineering college, grad school and a fulfilling career).

I regret, but don't regret, my actions, I was much happier the day I got out. In the meantime, I currently work with another ex-USAF guy who went the enlisted to officer route and got out with a fully "Honorable Discharge". Good for him, eh? He recently confided to me that he did drugs freely while based in the Philippines, but got away with it.

So my point is, stuff happens to good people and you can't always shoebox people by what's happened in the past.

I'll let you know if I get the discount, I'll be very surprised if I don't.

[tacticool]

So my point is, stuff happens to good people and you can't always shoebox people by what's happened in the past.

Here's a solution: Everyone pays the same license fees.

Sorry, I forgot. Some people want to be "shoeboxed" as long as it benefits them.

[Limey Hooligan]

Yes, some do, and some don't. I don't think "wysiwig" likes to be, for sure. He received an honorable discharge for his service so he qualifies for the discount.

It sounds fair to me though if we all pay the same fee. But of course if the discount is out there for everyone who's served honorably, we veterans are going to take it.

[Limey Hooligan]

*UPDATE*

I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong... for those interested, the TXDPS used to consider a "General Under Honorable Conditions" discharge equivalent to an Honorable Discharge, but they have recently changed that policy (as of about 2-3 months ago, according to the person I spoke to). An applicant now has to have an "Honorable Discharge" to qualify for the discount. I believe they are going to re-word the application rules to reflect that, instead of saying that a person needs to be "honorably discharged". That wording mimics other veteran eligibility documents, which don't make a distinction.

In my 23 years as a veteran, this is the first time I've been denied some kind of GI "benefit" due to my less-than-top-notch discharge. I will pay my extra $70 and be happy, reminiscing about the prime years of my life spent in honorable service to my country at least giving me some benefits at the Federal level. I stand humbled.

[johnson0317]

My hats off to you , both for admitting you were wrong, and for your service to our great country.

RJ

[Skiprr]

Thanks for that update. Good information for folks to know.